Categories: feast-days
Date: 02 April 2007 21:12:24
Readings from the Synaxarion:
Holy Monday
Holy and Great Monday begins the anniversary of the Holy Passion of the Saviour, He of whom Joseph of exceeding beauty is taken as the earliest symbol. For this Joseph was the eleventh of the sons of Jacob, and because his father loved him exceedingly, his brothers envied him and through him in a pit. Then they took him out and sold him to strangers, who sold him in Egypt. He was slandered for his chastity, and was thrown in prison. But finally he was taken out of prison and he attained a high rank, and received honours worthy of kings, becoming governor of the whole of Egypt, whose people he supported. Thus he symbolised in himself the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and His consequent great glory.
To the remembrance of Joseph is added the story of the fig tree which the Lord cursed on this day (corresponding at that time to the nineteenth of the month of March) because of its barrenness, so that it dried up. The fig tree was a symbol of the Council of the Jews which did not show the necessary fruits of virtue and righteousness, so that Christ stripped it of every spiritual grace.
Wherefore, O Bridegroom Christ, hear the intercessions of the noble Joseph, O Christ our God, and have mercy on us. Amen.
Holy Tuesday
On Holy and Great Tuesday we make remembrance of the parable of the ten virgins which Jesus told to others as he was coming to the Passion. It teaches us not to rest safe in virginity, but to guard it wherever possible, and not to desists from any virtues or good deeds, especially deeds of mercy, which make the lamp of virginity shine brilliantly. It teaches us also to be ready for our end, not knowing when our hour is coming, as the wise virgins were ready to meet the bridegroom, lest death overtake us and close the door of the heavenly chamber in our face, and we hear the terrible judgement with the foolish virgins heard, "Truly, truly, I do not know you."
Wherefore, O Bridegroom Christ, number us with the prudent virgins; and by including us in Your chosen flock, have mercy on us. Amen.